A friend of mine had an unlocked GSM phone he uses in Canada and went to the UK. He picked up a SIM card and was able to make calls.
Now we have 99 buck good enough smart phones and under 20USD phones that call and text all we need is a carrier.
I'm not sure if there are no contract systems in your city but my friend did so in London.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/electronics/356496011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_ce_1_5_last finds you call them SIM FREE. I see BLU, DOOGEE and the others for sale there for the usual prices.
This is very much an ongoing problem that I had hoped would have been resolved today - but following the trend of immoral, vacuous, and monstrously greedy corporations and companies who are intent on keeping those who are already struggling down in the gutter, I feel that I too am on the recieving end of their biased customer service, a customer service of which heavily tailors to the needs and requirements of those already financially comfortable.
From a financial point of view I can see the reasoning, but for people like me who are on the recieving end of this merciless behaviour, I believe this only succeeds in driving the once loyal customers further away with their lack of empathy.
The issue is thus;
I have felt for a long time that I am paying an extortionate amount of money for a phone that really does not deserve anywhere near as much.
At several points last year, the phone company too knew that I was on and off struggling to pay this bill, and had sent a debt collection agency to collect this outstanding bill from me, which I had agreed I would pay.
After concluding all outstanding payments at the start of this year, and after conversing with a few close friends on the matter, I was determined to obtain a better deal that would be far more reasonable for the services I am provided.
I called up and enquired if this would be possible, and was told that it would indeed be possible, provided that I wait until around the 20th of february to call them back about it as this was the day when my 24 month contract would conclude.
So, nearing the day in question - I decided to enquire about it, and was passed through 6 different lines and hung up on whilst I was waiting in the queue.
At this point my patience was wearing very thin. This was also at the point where I was told that my contract could be given a sim only price plan, to which I very much agreed on was much more suited to my needs.
When the employee had finished enquiring however, the possibility was void, and that the current price of my contract would remain at that same price for the next six months provided that there would be no more issues with debt collection.
Again, I can understand their reasoning -- but why would I struggle to pay *LESS* money to these people? They want to keep it the same price which to them sounds more reasonable. To me it seems like a trap to catch the unwary, so that I would just be unable to leave.
I told them if this was not a possibility then I would be planning on cutting my contract.
I have been thinking about this possiblity today, even though I do not enjoy the prospect of messaging all my contacts and sorting out my numbers and contacts etcetera, I believe that the other outcome is far worse.
If I do decide to cut my contract, I also have the esteemed pleasure of arranging a new contract with a different company, and I am entirely unsure of which would be best for me.
Is there any course of action I could take which would incapsulate the best possible outcome?
I would appreciate any input any of you may have on this matter, thank you so much in advance.
TL;DR
Wondering what to do about my contract, was told I would be able to get a cheaper deal earlier this year on sim only and to call back around the 20th february.
Following a phone call today, I was told that I would be unable to go for a cheaper payment plan because I had issues paying my current payment plan, which is actually twice as much as the alternative.
Any advice/input greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

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